Honda Roadster

TOKYO: Honda Motor Corp. plans to introduce a five-cylinder roadster called the SSX in mid-1999 that will be aimed at the BMW Z3 2.8, Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK.

Derived from the earlier SSM concept car, the two-passenger SSX is said to be powered by a narrow-angle V-5, similar to the five-cylinder engine introduced recently in the Volkswagen Passat.

There is no indication on whether the SSX will be badged as a Honda or an Acura in the United States, although its rumored $40,000-plus price tag favors the premium brand.